As per Business Standard in 2014-15, the dropout rate at various school levels (primary, upper primary and secondary) ranged from 4% to 17%. Plus, the unemployment rate of Indian youth is more than 6.2%. This does not seem ideal for a growing economy like India. Therefore, to guide the Indian youth towards a bright future, the Government of India launched the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

During its pilot phase in 2015-16, 19.85 lakh candidates were trained. The Scheme is aligned to Common Cost Norms and has a total budgetary outlay of Rs 948.90 Crores for PMKVY 3.0. Read on to know the various vital PMKVY details!

Implemented by National Skill Development Corporation, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana or PMKVY is the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship flagship scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana focuses on those willing to enter the industry and also those having a prior learning experience.Interested individuals can select any course listed under this scheme depending on eligibility criteria.Candidates having prior experience or skills go through assessment and receive certification under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) recently launched the third phase of this flagship scheme on 15th January 2021 — Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 3.0).

Now that you know the meaning of PMKVY, dive into the various other details of this scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is designed to provide industry-relevant skill training to Indian youth, enhancing their employability. The scheme operates through a structured approach involving various components and processes:

1. Training and Assessment

PMKVY provides industry-aligned skills training. The learning programs are based on the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and designed to improve participants' chances of getting employment. The courses have durations ranging from a few weeks to several months.

2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This section accounts for abilities acquired from informal sources. It assesses and certifies individuals' skills to make them more employable.

3. Incentive-Based

Trainees receive monetary rewards upon successful completion of training and assessment on PMKVY. In addition, this initiative encourages involvement as it would cover such things as travel fare and accommodation during the course period.

4. Focus on Outcomes

The scheme's focus is on the number of trainees who are successfully placed. Thus, providers of training are motivated to prepare their trainees for either job placement, self-employment, or further education, with post-placement support to ensure sustained employment.

5. Special Projects

Special projects under PMKVY are designed to train specific groups such as women, disabled and marginalised people in non-traditional or high-demand sectors.

6. Quality Assurance

The scheme guarantees quality in training delivery through accreditation and affiliation of training centres. The standards are maintained through regular auditing of the training centres.

6. Awareness and Outreach

Conduct awareness campaigns to inform potential trainees about the scheme's benefits and how to enrol. This involves a mix-up of state governments and industry bodies, among others.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana aims to encourage Indian youth to join industry-based skill training to make them more employable and help them secure a better future.Besides this, it aims to:

• Benefit 8 lakh youth over the scheme period (2020-21)
• Develop an ecosystem for Indian youth to make informed choices on available skilling avenues.
• Extend support to the youth for certification and skill training.
• Establish sustainable Skill Centres for higher participation of the private sector.
• Promote Entrepreneurship among youth to create self-employment opportunities.
• Focus on Emerging Technologies to adapt training programs to industry needs.
• Enhance Global Competitiveness by equipping youth with skills aligned with global standards.
• Integrate Digital Skills into various sectors to prepare youth for the digital economy.
• Increase Women’s Participation in skill development programs and vocational training.

The different features mentioned below are the ones applicable under the third phase of PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 3.0):

• MSDE coordinates with State Governments and Central Ministries for recognition of NSQF certification as a prerequisite to hire contractual employees.It also aims to make hiring NSQF certified workforce mandatory for contractors or vendors as part of their contract.
• PMKVY is in accordance with National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and Common Cost Norms. An approval from the Steering Committee is necessary to initiate any amendment in these.
• The payment to Training Providers is divided into tranches: 30% on the start of training batches, 30% on placement verification and 40% on successful certification.Apart from this, other incentives like post-placement support, boarding and lodging, conveyance and additional support are according to Common Cost Norms.
• Candidates who wish to know more about Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana may enrol for training under this scheme in the same sector for a maximum of two times - the second time must be only for a job role aligned with a higher NSQF.This is also applicable for fresh training on a different course in PMKVY, considering a gap of six months exists between the first course’s certification date and the starting date of a batch of the subsequent course.For these candidates, the payout is only given for enrolment and for up to two job roles.This payout is applicable for candidates, SSCs and PIAs.
• A special research cell at NSDC aims to match demand and supply continuously and also strengthen the Atma Nirbhar Skilled Employee-Employer Mapping (ASEEM) portal.
• SSCs or other relevant institutions will create Centres of Excellence (CoE) which would act as a resource and training centre for a given sector.The plan is to set up a minimum of one CoE for every sector.
• Vocational courses have also been introduced to schools in a phase-wise manner with the help of MoE. Implemented for classes 9 to 12, this component aims at exposing students to skill development avenues for vocational training roles.

Individuals must take note of the various PMKVY benefits illustrated below:

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana provides a Skill India card and a valid certification depending on which candidates can apply for various jobs and earn a livelihood.
• PMKVY extends financial and placement assistance to all those candidates who have received a certificate.
• PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana provides training to the experienced Indian youth to bridge the gap between their skills and industry requirements.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana extends industry-based skills training to the unemployed youth and college or school dropouts so that they become fit for employment.
• PMKVY contributes to India's economic development by creating a skilled workforce.

The PMKVY has several key components that are aimed at increasing the employability of young people and also enabling them to progress on a career path, and these are as follows:

• Short-Term Training (STT): Training is provided to school/college dropouts and unemployed youth to enhance their employability.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Assessment and certification of individuals with prior learning experience or skills.
• Special Projects: Facilitates training in particular areas or premises of government, corporations, or industry bodies.
• Kaushal and Rozgar Mela: Community mobilisation events are conducted every six months to ensure active participation and transparency.
• Placement Assistance: Support is provided to link trained and certified individuals with employment opportunities.
• Continuous Monitoring: Ensures high standards of training quality through various monitoring methodologies and technologies.

These components are designed to build a competent labour force that meets industry's needs and contributes to the country's economic development.

Individuals must meet the below-mentioned criteria to be eligible under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana:

• Must be an unemployed youth or have dropped out of school or college midway through the academic tenure.
• It should be an Indian national with valid proof of identity, such as an Aadhaar card, bank account, or voter’s ID.
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 45 years to ensure inclusivity.
• Should demonstrate a willingness to learn and engage in skill development programs.
• Must have completed a basic level of education, depending on the specific skill training program.
• Should not have participated in any other government-funded skill development program simultaneously.
• You must provide the necessary documentation to verify eligibility during the application process.

To ensure a smooth registration process for the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Here's a quick guide to the essential documents you'll need to kickstart your journey in the PMKVY scheme:

1. Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, voter’s ID, or other state-issued identification card
2. Address Proof: Aadhaar card, utility document bills, and any other valid proof
3. Educational Certificates: Certificates for the highest educational attainment
4. Photographs: Recent Passport size photographs

Online Procedure:

Individuals must follow the steps mentioned below in order to register for the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana online:

• Step 1: Firstly, individuals must look for a training centre, and the registration in this centre can be done easily through the official website of PMKVY.

• Step 2: An applicant must enter all necessary details on the website after completing the registration in a training centre.

After a candidate enters all necessary details, the training partner obtains the information from the database and training gets arranged accordingly. After successful training, the candidates receive awards according to the norms of this scheme.

Individuals willing to register for this scheme through the offline route must visit any nearby PM Kaushal Vikas Centres (PMKVY) Kendras. While visiting these centres, they should carry their PAN card, bank passbook, Aadhaar card, and other documents. Here are some steps to follow:

• Step 1: Get to the Nearest PMKVY Kendra: Find and go to the closest PMKVY Kendra through the official website or helpline.
• Step 2: Present Necessary Papers: At the time of registration, present your PAN card, bank passbook, Aadhaar card and other documents needed at the submission desk.
• Step 3: Complete Registration Document: Correct personal details on registration documents by centre staff according to the scheme information given.
• Step 4: Confirm Documents: Centre officials will verify your documents and information filled in during registration.
• Step 5: Get an Acknowledgement: Successful verification will provide you with an acknowledgement slip that confirms your enrollment.

Therefore, individuals must consider the various details about PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana and follow the steps mentioned above if they want to register for this scheme. Candidates can take full advantage of the opportunities provided by ensuring all necessary documents are prepared and understanding the process. Embracing this initiative can improve skills, improve job prospects, and brighten the future.

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